Kenai Peninsula Borough

2002

Coastal Impact Assistance Program

Competitive Grant Project Applications

February 8, 2002

Project Descriptions

Ten projects are being applied for under the State's Coastal Impact Assistance Program Competitive Grants. These projects are listed in no particular order, and include a brief summary.

1) Developing a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map for the North Fork of the Anchor River. This project was partially funded under the previous CIAP grant to the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Of the projected $140,000 cost to complete phase one of the project, $34,765 was awarded. This proposal would ask for an additional $100,000 to complete the contour-mapping portion of the flood study. This must be done prior to hydrological and hydraulic modeling is accomplished. Future funds would be sought for surveying, modeling and a final report.

2) Developing a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map for the Kenai River in the Cooper Landing Area (between the outlet of Kenai Lake and Cooper Creek). This project includes the contour mapping, hydrological and hydraulic modeling, surveying and final report for this three-mile stretch of river. This area was targeted due to the flood risk and the relatively large amount of privately held land in the area. Total grant request is $100,000. Some cost savings may be possible if recent AK DOT flight data is shared with the Borough.

3) Developing coastline maps and models using Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and GIS. Digital Elevation Models is the ability to visualize environmental landscape phenomena in 3-dimension and over time greatly enhance our ability to understand natural processes (coastal) and explain them to others. In addition, where land degradation is occurring, an understanding of the processes in a spatial and temporal context facilitates preventative measures. These include the proper selection and placement of remediation and mitigation measures. This initial imagery will establish a baseline for measuring erosion loss rates, wetland dynamics and spatial relationships of marine habitats, estuaries, and coastal fishery resources over time.

4) Tabular Database Development, $65K. This is an automation project (i.e. "on-line") that will lay the groundwork for all of the following projects. In turn, these will lay the groundwork for significant automation efforts within the KPB intended to make the borough more efficient and "client friendly." The database will be integrated into the proposed "Online Application System." We will hire a contractor to evaluate the existing KPB CMP database, uses, and develop a project plan. This project will be a pilot of potential automation projects elsewhere in the KPB which will assist the "client-applicant" develop a new Access database, based upon the existing one, with expanded query, analysis, and reporting capabilities which will be accessible to all users and also incorporated into the online Coastal Project Questionnaire tool. This project could well be a pilot for other departments/divisions.

5) Geographic Database Development, $60K. This concept-project has been discussed with, and received preliminary approval from Bill Holloway, GIS. The out-come of automation project (i.e. "on-line") will also contribute to the following suite of projects to help lead the borough to more efficient and "client friendly" service. The geographic database will be integrated into the proposed "Online Application System." This project will take the work developed in #1 and make the geographic associations within existing geographic mapping paradigms. There may be some "macro" programming required of the contractor. We will create a geographic database of all previous KPB CMP project reviews for all previous data linked to the Access Database (Shape file point data with attribute data containing cross-reference to all related projects; updateable) these will associate the tables (and cross-references) to locational mapping. In this project the contractor will develop the batch routine which geocodes the data and creates the link to the mapping software. In order to be able to perform work tasks (entry, mapping) we will upgrade assistant's ArcView Application to ArcGIS 8.1, onto a new computer. This project could well be a pilot for other departments/divisions.

6) Document and Image Management System $60 K. This project will take the first step toward "paperless" document management. It will provide valuable insight for other departments and divisions which are interested in moving in that direction. Presently, the Federal Government agencies have received some direction to move toward online and other digital systems. Currently, we regularly receive entire application and project packets from Oil/Gas companies that are on CD-Rom. It is our desire to find an effective means of converting all our files to digital format, managing a new digital file system, and integrating that into the geographic database. This information will provide valuable means for applicants to understand previous project reviews and better assure that all necessary documents are included in current applications. This project will require a contractor to design the system and establish connectivity with database, some new equipment, and a temporary staff to assist in scanning and data entry. This project could well be a pilot for other departments/divisions.

7) KPB Resource Analysis $100K. The Kenai Peninsula Borough needs an updated, comprehensive, systematically developed Resource Analysis document. This will become a very useful tool for decision-making on all levels of local government. It will also serve as foundation for future meaningful planning for activities, which benefit our communities. This document will be based upon a sound compilation of information related to the natural resources within the Kenai Peninsula Borough. It will directly contribute to the meaningful conservation of resources, and resource planning for local, state, and federal managers and provide a basis for any future updates of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Coastal Management Plan. This project could well be a pilot for other departments/divisions.

8) Interactive Computer-Based Resource Analysis Information Tool $90K. This product integrates all of the information developed in the updated KPB Resource Analysis into an effective multi-media information tool that will be available to business-minded entrepreneurs, client-applicants, private sector and public sector (i.e. Administration, Assembly, local government, chambers of commerce, etc.) interests. It will allow an average user to expediently ask questions of interest, and investigate topics of interest related to the updated KPB resource analysis. As a model, we note that the private sector regularly develops computer-based training tools that bring "consumers" much needed information in a coherent, well-organized fashion. This product will leverage the Internet and intranets to provide fluid, interactive instructional and decision making tools for all audiences. This project will pilot multimedia system modules accessible via CD-Rom and the Internet/intranet. This project could well be a pilot for other departments/divisions.

9) KPB Online Application System for the Planning Department $70K. Increasingly, the Internet is becoming a useful means for local governments to reach out to the public, the private sector, and other government entities. The private sector regularly develops computer-based online tools which effectively lead applicants in a coherent, well-organized process. This kind of orderly communication is important for any local government that wants to provide effective means for applying for permits, and for tracking those permits in a logical, efficient fashion. Specifically related to KPB lands and other resource uses, and it's getting easier and more effective with several products that leverage the Internet and intranets to provide fluid, interactive medium that helps the Kenai Peninsula Borough implement appropriate technology in resource management, which also improves efficiency, via the Internet/intranet. This project could well be a pilot for other departments/divisions.

10) Protection of Streambanks on the Ninilchik River and Crooked Creek Drainages. The Ninilchik River and several areas within the Crooked Creek drainage system have been damaged from off-road vehicle use. Caribou Hills Cabin Hoppers would like to install bridges over these areas to protect the streambanks from further damage and to allow the damaged areas to revegetate. The bridges would be steel and wood construction. A large bridge is needed across the Ninilchik River where it intersects with the "126 Trail". Additional crossings are needed over four small streams where they cross the "126 Trail", "Centennial Trail", and "Jesse's Trail" located within the Crooked Creek drainage. Funding is requested in the amount of $28,000; $12,000 for the large bridge project and $16,000 for the four small crossings.